Issue 63 – 25, August 10th, 2025
We Are Aging Better: Living Longer
Japan has reached a remarkable demographic milestone, with over 95,000 people aged 100 or older 95,119 as of September 1, 2024. This marks the 54th consecutive year the centenarian population has grown. Nearly 88% of these individuals are women, aligning with global patterns of female longevity. Experts attribute this trend to Japan’s exceptional healthcare system, balanced diet, active lifestyles, and strong social support networks. The steady rise in centenarians reflects the country’s world-leading life expectancy and ongoing improvements in quality of life. Japan’s achievement offers valuable lessons for nations aiming to extend both lifespan and healthy years of living.
In many countries around the world, people are living longer than ever before. This means that more of us are getting older, but not in the way you might think. Instead of getting weaker or less active, many older adults are staying healthy, happy, and engaged in life. Let’s explore how aging is changing and why we are aging better today.
A few decades ago, people didn’t live as long. Today, thanks to better healthcare, good food, and healthier lifestyles, many people stay active into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. The world is seeing more older people than ever before. By 2050, the United Nations says that over 2 billion people will be aged 60 or older—that’s about 26% of all people on Earth!
The idea of what ‘old’ is has also changed. In the past, most people thought someone was old at 65 or 70. Now, many believe that old age starts at a later age. Most people today think you can be young at heart even when you are older.
Many older adults are now tech-savvy. They use smartphones, computers, and social media just like younger people. They are also more open-minded and progressive. Older people today want to stay connected, learn new things, and enjoy life, not just sit at home.
They are working longer, volunteering, and helping their families. Some are even starting new careers or hobbies. They are sharing their experience and wisdom to help younger generations. People’s ideas about what they should do at different ages are also shifting. Also, many believe there is no age too old to start a new adventure, like going back to school or traveling.
As we age better, it’s important to see older people as active, valuable members of society. This change gives us all a chance to learn from older generations and enjoy longer, richer lives. We are all aging better, and that’s something to celebrate!
Let’s remember, growing older can be a wonderful new chapter full of possibilities.
Read more - Attitudes to Ageing 2025 - an 32-country Ipsos Global Advisor Survey
AFB and Food Insecurity Needs
Canada is facing a serious problem called food insecurity. This means many people do not have reliable access to enough healthy food because they do not have enough money. Right now, about 8.7 million Canadians, live in households where food insecurity is a problem. Some must cut back on meals or go without food altogether at times. This situation is unacceptable and needs urgent action.
Food insecurity happens when families do not have enough money to buy food or cannot access healthy food easily. It can be mild, where families worry about running out of food, or severe, where they miss meals or go days without eating. In 2022, nearly 17% of Canadians were food insecure, and the number has been rising. Food insecurity affects many aspects of people's lives, including their health, work, and relationships.
Some groups of people are more affected by food insecurity than others. For example: The cost of food has gone up a lot in recent years. Grocery prices increased by nearly 10% from 2021 to 2022, and the trend continues. Many families are forced to choose between paying rent, buying medicine, or buying enough food. Additionally, large corporations control much of the food supply chain, making food more expensive and limiting options.
The government can take important steps to reduce food insecurity through the next federal budget. Here are some actions that should be included:
1. Increase Income Support Programs- Improve benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help families and seniors afford food.
- Establish a Canada Livable Income to give adults enough money to meet basic needs.
- Support students with higher grants to reduce their financial stress.
2. Make Food More Affordable
- Address corporate control of the food supply to lower prices.
- Strengthen laws to prevent monopolies in food retail.
- Invest in local food programs, co-operatives, and markets that focus on community and affordability.
3. Fund Research and Local Food Initiatives- Invest in understanding how to better fight food insecurity. - Support local food infrastructure, such as farmers' markets and community gardens, especially in remote and northern areas.
Food insecurity is a serious problem that affects millions of Canadians, especially vulnerable populations. It is caused by high food costs, low and unstable incomes, and systemic inequalities. The next federal budget must include strong measures to increase incomes, reduce food prices, and support Indigenous and racialized communities. Taking these actions will help ensure that everyone in Canada has access to healthy, affordable food and can live with dignity and security. Addressing food insecurity is not just about food—it’s about fairness, health, and justice for all Canadians.
Read more - afb-2025-food-security.pdf - Google Drive
Draw the Line – September 20th
Important call to action for all of us who have worked hard and built this country. On September 20th, union retirees from across Canada will come together for "Draw the Line" — a powerful day to stand up against the injustices facing our communities, our environment, and our future.
Many of us have seen how the government and big corporations are making life harder for everyday people. Wages are low, rents are sky-high, and groceries are unaffordable. Meanwhile, our public services are being cut, and billionaires are getting richer while workers and seniors struggle to get by. We cannot stay silent while this happens.
As retirees, we have a lifetime of experience and wisdom. We know what it means to work hard and care for our families. Now, more than ever, our voices are needed. We have the strength and moral clarity to stand up for justice—climate justice, Indigenous rights, migrant justice, and peace. We can show that our generation refuses to turn away from the urgent issues of our time.
This September 20th is our chance to draw a line and say, “Enough is enough.” We will march, rally, and make our voices heard to demand that the government invests in what truly matters—public health, affordable housing, good jobs, and protecting our planet. We must tell those in power that their policies of greed and destruction are not acceptable.
Let’s use our voices to inspire others and to prove that retirees are strong, still committed, and still fighting for a better world. Together, we can make a difference. Our participation can help create lasting change for future generations—our children, grandchildren, and all who come after us.
Let’s join on September 20th. Let’s stand together, draw the line, and show that retirees are a powerful force for justice.
Read more - Canada | Draw the Line - For people, for peace, for the planet
Join the Webinar - Draw the Line: Mass Organizing Call - 350